Illinois
Social Media Buzzes as Illinois Basketball Lands Another International Recruit
For years, it was a verifiable fact that the Balkans was a region located in Southeastern Europe. Recently, though, there has been some confusion, as the area has seen a notable migration of its populace to a certain central Illinois city.
Champaign could now aptly be dubbed “The Little Balkans,” but even that would be counterintuitive given that it likely holds the world record for the town with the tallest average height among its Balkan population.
On Tuesday, 6-foot-3 Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic announced his commitment to the Illini and his intention to join seven-foot twin brothers Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic (Croatia) and 6-foot-8 David Mirkovic (Montenegro) in what may be the NCAA’s first-ever Balkans alliance.
NEWS: Mega Superbet PG Mihailo Petrovic has committed to Illinois, agent Misko Raznatovic told ESPN. The 22-year-old Serbian is an MVP candidate in the Adriatic League, ranking second in assists (7.3 per game) and top-10 in scoring (14.3 ppg). Big pickup for Brad Underwood. pic.twitter.com/2363F0nuHk
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 22, 2025
Petrovic is a current pro who has been a difference-maker in Europe’s Adriatic League, averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 assists to insert himself in the MVP discussion.
With his experience (Petrovic is 22) and skill set, he appears well-positioned to step into the point guard role left behind by fellow international-born guard Kasparas Jakucionis, who is off to the NBA.
Naturally, with Illinois landing a premier talent (and yet another overseas prospect), social media has caught ablaze. Here are a few of the best reactions:
Me trying to learn where all of the 2025-26 Illinois Fighting Illini players are from: pic.twitter.com/EzCmqxisDa
— Illini Nation (@IlliniNation_) April 22, 2025 From an NBA scout pic.twitter.com/AXYdTHflPY
— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) April 22, 2025 No need for Adam Miller
Illinois goes STEALTH and snags a stud PG
Mihailo Petrovic
No need for NIL portal drama
— Dariush Takhtehchian, M.D (@takhtehchianmd) April 22, 2025 Not even saying this because he is an Illini, but a 22 year old pro in a good league shouldn’t have college eligibility.
Where does the NCAA draw the line???
Can we get 30 year olds at this rate? https://t.co/b6zFppAem3
— Wildcat Nation (@NUcatsnation) April 22, 2025 Illinois is assembling a Balkan dream team this off-season, with the Serbian Petrovic, Croatian twins Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivisic, and Montenegrin David Mirkovic. Will be fun to see how it comes together. https://t.co/Hh4gxhri0x
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 22, 2025 No one in CBB has invested more in recruiting Europe than Illinois.
Brad Underwood told me last summer they recruit top European events just like they would recruit Peach Jam. Mihailo Petrovic, one of the Adriatic League’s best players, is another example of that paying off.
— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) April 22, 2025 Brad Underwood – international gangster @JonRothstein #illini pic.twitter.com/0xX1bgTTQb
— Andrew Fulk (@fulknA) April 22, 2025